Orange women face Delaware State

December 05, 2008, 6:42PM

On Saturday, the Syracuse University women's basketball team will host a Delaware State team that is struggling through a rebuilding year.

The Hornets will enter the Carrier Dome carrying a four-game losing streak. Last season, they were 18-14 overall and a strong 12-4 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, but lost three top seniors. This year, after an opening win over Cheyney University, Delaware State has lost to Maryland, Kent State, William and Mary and Navy.

Here's a look at the matchup:

Who: Syracuse Orange (6-2) vs. Delaware State Hornets (1-4)

When: 1 p.m. today

Where: Carrier Dome

Tickets: $8 for adults; $4 for children 12-under and seniors 62-over

Radio: WTLA-AM (1200), WJPZ-FM (89.1), www.suathletics.com

Last games: SU defeated Lehigh 69-60; Delaware State lost to Navy 55-45

Last meeting: First game between the two teams

The skinny: Delaware State is rebuilding after losing three top seniors who led the Hornets to an 18-14 record last season (12-4 MEAC). They average only 53.6 points per game, but are holding opponents to 59.6 points. "They're tenacious on defense and really guard the ball well," said SU coach Quentin Hillsman, who called Delaware State's 1-4 record deceiving. "It's going to be a big challenge for our guards to see if they can handle pressure with the ball."... Still, SU has a distinct size advantage and once again should dominate in rebounding and scoring in the paint.

Coach Q's quote: "Through eight games, I'm very happy with our competitiveness. No one can question our effort and intensity. I'm really happy we've been weathering through these injuries. We're 6-2 right now but could just as easily be 4-4 with the kind of injuries we've had and the kind of teams that we've been playing."